Category — Appliances

It was a particularly cruel day in marketing hell when they decided to convince the masses that ‘mini’ was a desirable quality in products. It was probably the backlash against super-sizing that caused the word ‘mini’ to be applied to all things food-related, so considering those fast-food origins it’s not a total loss. Paying the same price (or sometimes more) for less is not desirable, yet somehow the evil genius horde has convinced us otherwise. As in all marketing coups, there is a (chicken) nugget of truth; a little restraint can be a good thing–not so much when attached to kitchen appliances however.

The Super Mini Toaster Oven may at first look appealing, but judging by the inclusion of a 6.25-inch sq. cooking pan, the kitchen appliance would be annoying more than anything else. It’s more Easy-Bake oven than toaster oven. While it features the “capabilities of a regular toaster oven with a 150°-450°F range in temperature, variable toasting function, 15 minute timer and “stay on” warming function”, I just can’t get over the fact that only one slice of bread at a time will fit in the thing. Even a regular slice of bread measures about 4 or 5 inches, and yes, I checked—and then made a Dagwood sandwich.

It has been hot in California this week—ice cream weather! Time to break out the ice cream machines. It seems as if it were only yesterday that every day was a rainy day. (Not that there’s anything wrong with ice cream in the rain.) Taking a bright and colorful approach, like the weekend outlook ahead, the Cuisinart Classic Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream & Sorbet Makers offer easy accessibility to homemade frozen treats.

The automatic maker requires no chemicals, salt or ice while the double-insulated removable freezer bowl helps to whip up a 1.5-quart batch of your favorite flavor within minutes—good news for those caught off guard by the warm weather. As for areas with weather still stuck in the ice age? Best to plan ahead, as spring has sprung. (Or is at least in the process of springing!)

On sale right now for $49.95.

As far as kitchen appliances go, the toaster is pretty much the party animal of the bunch. Either that or the class clown. But no matter which way you look at it, there’s no denying that the ubiquitous little countertop appliance sees its share of gimmicks. Gadgets and gizmos routinely get attached to the machine, from egg cooker contraptions to integrated coffee makers. Usually however, the toaster is rather quiet about it.

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A kitchen appliance that plays tricks with your eyes isn’t necessarily the first thing you want to see in the morning. However, stunning design is always appreciated. With these two appliances you get both.

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When is a waffle maker not a waffle maker? When it’s a waffle cone maker. The Smart Planet Original Waffle Cone Factory produces thin waffles that are perfect for rolling up into cones (a cone-form is included). Similar to how pizza on a bagel magically allows for pizza to be eaten anytime, ice cream on a waffle means you can eat ice cream anytime. (Or would it be waffles anytime? Either way it is win/win.)

If you find it hard to justify owning a waffle maker that only produces waffle cones, just consider that it could also be used to make waffles for ice cream sandwiches See? Not a unitasker!

Kids running around like monkeys in the morning? Tame them with the Nonstick Circus Waffle Maker by Smart Planet. Measuring 9.25-inches by 9.75-inches, the Original Circus Waffler makes three circus-themed Belgian-style waffles in less than four minutes.

Just like mornings can be on the blurry side (not too much for the kids, hopefully), so too can be this waffler. I see an elephant for sure, and I’m guessing the other two are a lion and a clown. But hey, the kids won’t care how abstract the waffles look when you cover them with butter and syrup. Add some whipped cream to top them off, and your calm little angels will be monkeys again in no time.